All the small things will help boost Reliant Stadium experience

Changes in the Texans’ game-day experience for 2012 include “nothing earth-shattering,” team president Jamey Rootes said Friday, but the cumulative effect of a number “of small things” in and around Reliant Stadium should make fans feel all the more special to be on site rather watching from home.

The most intriguing innovation that will be unveiled at the preseason home opener against San Francisco on Saturday night has been adopted league-wide, letting the people in the stands see exactly what the replay official is looking at “under the hood.”

The same shots the official requests to confirm or alter a call made on the field will be shown simultaneously on the stadium’s big screen, a decision that came down from the NFL’s Competition Committee. Texans general manager Rick Smith sits on same.

“It’s going to be very interesting for (the fans) because they’ll be getting a perspective you won’t find anywhere (except) in the stadium,” Rootes said. “It’s an authentic experience . . . all part of our ongoing plan to take the fans as close to the action as possible. We’re striving to offer as much as we can that’s interesting, exciting and engaging without compromising the integrity of the game.”

Other improvements inside the Reliant turnstiles will include offering a variety of regional artisan beers at the concession stands and with seat vendors and adding a greater variety of merchandise. One example: They’re launching the “Texans Rookie” line of gear for kids.

Club ticket-holders can visit the new Carrabba Family’s Piatto restaurant and will also receive free popcorn refills to go with their bottomless soda cups.

Out in the parking lot, tailgaters can patronize six of Houston’s most popular food trucks, which will be parked on all sides of the stadium. There will also be more and better-located portable toilets, while new designated driver booths will be set up in both the lots and on the concourses.

To benefit the vast majority, anyone who gets evicted from the stadium for unacceptable behavior will be required to complete an on-line class before being permitted to return to a Texans game. The class costs $75 with the money going to the Texans foundation.

Admission to the parking lots will continue to be limited to those who have game tickets.

“We work very hard to make sure the (Reliant Stadium) experience is second to none,” Rootes said. Toward that end, he added: “What’s most important is what’s not new. We already have the recognized best tailgating in National Football League and one of the finest sports experiences on the planet.

“We want to ensure the No. 1 choice for any fan in Houston, Texas, is to be in the stadium on game day (because of) the hospitality, the energy level, the comfort and the value proposition we’re offering.”

Additionally, the Texans’ charitable giving this season will exceed $1 million for the first time. But Rootes conceded that success between the white lines remains the Texans’ job one. However hungry or thirsty fans may be, nothing makes them happier than a winning team.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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The progress of starting quarterback Matt Schaub, backup T.J. Yates and rookie Case Keenum, who’ll play in the third and fourth quarters.

The progress of starting quarterback Matt Schaub, backup T.J. Yates and rookie Case Keenum, who’ll play in the third and fourth quarters.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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How receiver Andre Johnson plays in his first start since suffering a groin injury. He’s on a play count.

How receiver Andre Johnson plays in his first start since suffering a groin injury. He’s on a play count.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Right tackle Derek Newton (6-6, 318), a second-year veteran, is starting in place of Rashad Butler. They’ll continue to rotate.

Right tackle Derek Newton (6-6, 318), a second-year veteran, is starting in place of Rashad Butler. They’ll continue to rotate.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Rookie kicker Randy Bullock in his second game. He connected on field goals of 21 and 52 yards in his debut against Carolina.

Rookie kicker Randy Bullock in his second game. He connected on field goals of 21 and 52 yards in his debut against Carolina.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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The continued progress of rookie outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus. The first-round pick played 41 plays against the Panthers and had 1 ½ sacks.

The continued progress of rookie outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus. The first-round pick played 41 plays against the Panthers and had 1 ½ sacks.